The BBMP might make some bucks by making dog-licensing mandatory but what triggered the civic body’s move in the first place?
A senior official attached to the BBMP Animal Husbandry department said "An expert committee was formed to look into pet issues and based on the report, the new rule came into force."
He went on to say that BBMP was constantly under pressure from citizens groups, Resident Welfare Associations and representatives from various apartments to bring in some regulations to curb the dog menace and the profusion of abandoned dogs.
"There are pet lovers who really care for their pets and do not mind scooping their excrement and keeping them clean. On the other hand, lots of people don’t care, simply untying the dog which relieves itself outside someone else’s house, causing a nuisance,” the official said.
Danders, or flakes of skin that fall from dogs, are a big menace also, as many people do not like it, he said.
Dr Pavan Kumar from Cessna Lifeline Vetrinary Hospital said "BBMP failed to do its homework before coming up with this rule."
While welcoming pet licensing, he maintained that the cap on the numbers and breeds is not a welcome move.
"People from all walks of life love pets. Certain breeds are too expensive for the poor and middle class to buy, or adopt and maintain," Dr Pavan said and added that BBMP should take an unbiased survey without hurting public sentiment.
BBMP Mayor Mr Sampath Raj said that after consulting pet lovers and others, necessary changes will be made to the law.
